Chapter 5:
The Kobold Contracts
2 Years before present day,
The Kingdom of Nentir, Nentir Vale, The City of Fallcrest,
3rdMonth of Summer, Sunrise.
"My head feels like it's going to explode." Alessia whispered, gently touching her fingers to the sides of her head and wincing.
"I know what you mean. Never again, Lessy. I swear I'll never touch another drop. I'm sure that halfling did it on purpose."
"Did what? And don't make promises you can't keep."
"Get us drunk. And that's another thing, what did we agree to do last night. My memory is a bit hazy."
"The Kobolds, remember. We've got to go to that old manor house and wipe out those kobolds. I don't like the sound of this, Wulf. If it was that simple someone else would have done it by now."
"We can at least hear what they have to say. They'll probably be sending for us soon. We'd better get cleaned up and ready. I don't think they're the kind of people we should keep waiting."
"You're probably right. I want to count what we made yesterday before we go anywhere. At least we get to keep it even if we can't get anymore until they say it's alright for us to start again."
"Go on then, count it out. Let's see what you got."
Ten minutes later they had counted out the coins into three piles, copper, silver and gold. They had 434 copper pieces, 269 silver pieces and 157 gold pieces as well as six small diamonds worth about fifty gold pieces each.
Although they would need a Guild Fence to get rid of the diamonds safely. They took their own coin pouches and added the coins to the piles until the copper pile was 982 coins, the silver pile was 498 coins and the gold pile was 326 coins.
"I've never seen so much, Wulf."
"Neither have I. How do you want to split it? You did all of the work afterall."
"We split it in half, Wulf. Just like always. Maybe you'll get the hang of it once we've settled into this place. But I can't help but feel you would sooner be out in the woods somewhere, hunting."
"I don't know, Lessy. I'm not certain I'm cut out to be a thief. I'm too worried about getting caught. And besides, it comes so naturally to you."
"Well don't give up yet. We could have a great setup here in Fallcrest if we play our cards right. This time next year we could be rich."
"It can't be that easy, Lessy. Anyway, let's divide the coins and bag it up. It should keep us going for a few months. And with what they are going to pay us for this job. Maybe a few more months. Besides, they're only kobolds. How dangerous can it be?"
"That sounds like the famous last words to me. But I suppose we'll have to take risks sometime. It may as well be now rather than later."
Half an hour later they were washed and refreshed with freezing cold pitchers of clear drinking water from the flophouse kitchen. Soon after they were finished.
The same young halfling who had escorted them to the flophouse arrived with a message from Horatio. Wulf unfolded the message and began to read.
'Good Morning my dear young friends. I do hope you are feeling well this fine morning and are not too hung over after last night. We await your company. And would appreciate it if you could follow young Caleb. The bearer of this message to our meeting place.
Once you arrive here you will refrain from commenting on the Gentleman's Guild. You know what I mean. Our guests believe us to be simply handling the expedition to Kobold Hall and have no knowledge of our friendly little organization.
I am afraid time is of the essence. Our plans to arrange the expedition for next week have been moved forward due to unforeseen circumstances. We will now be leaving tomorrow morning at sunrise. We will discuss the details when you arrive.'
Wulf passed the message to Alessia and began gathering his possessions. He pulled on his leather boots and fastened his cloak in place. His coin pouches went into his backpack. He would have to find a bank to deposit his coins before they left as he didn't like the idea of thieves stealing his hard won wealth.
He placed his blades in their scabbards and sheathes and the rest he packed into the bulging backpack. Hopefully he wouldn't have to take everything with him on the expedition. Maybe the guild could provide temporary accommodation and somewhere to stash his traveling gear.
Alessia read the note and followed Wulf's routine of packing up. When they were finished. Caleb led them out of the flophouse and into the glaring morning sun. Both Wulf and Alessia covered their eyes from the sudden brightness.
Caleb seemed eager to get them to their destination and wandered ahead. Waiting only when he had decided they had fallen too far back in the busy streets of Fallcrest packed to bursting point once more with townsfolk and refugees.
After ten minutes of weaving in and out of narrow streets and alleyways Caleb came to a stop outside a place simply called the Fine Gentleman's Club. He pointed inside and then took off at an incredible pace. Dodging in and out of the lines of people going about their business.
"This must be it then, Lessy. No turning back now. Are you certain you want to do this?"
"Of course I am. You're the one having second thoughts. It'll be fine, Wulf. Just follow me." She said and wandered into the club without another word.
Wulf simply shrugged his shoulders and followed her. They were committed to this task now. And so he had better prepare himself the best way he could.
The Club was to say the least very well furnished. It was almost empty of its regular clientele being so early in the morning. But a few persistent drinkers were dotted around the lounge area. Sat at a large table that could seat thirty people was Horatio at the head.
On either side of the table there were an assortment of human's, a few dwarfs and halflings and an Eladrin. Most of them looked like they had come expecting to fight. They were carrying an assortment of blades, blunt weapons, and bows.
Not to mention the presence of several individuals who were clearly some kind of spellcasters. But there was certainly more people here than the numbers they discussed last night.
"Good, I see the last of our guests have arrived." Horatio shouted. Raising his voice so that he could be heard all along the full length of the table.
"Please, Wulf, Alessia take a seat. I will have refreshments brought to you immediately." Horatio continued and then shouted for service.
At his command a procession of waiters bearing food and ale came into the room and began filling up the table. The faces of most of the guests lit up with delight and they were soon tucking into a hearty breakfast washed down with tankards of cold ale.
"Firstly I will introduce each of you so that you all can get to know each other. As you are all aware I am Horatio Maximillian Falconcroft. A a somewhat wealthy entrepreneur and concerned citizen. I am concerned because of recent events have been very troubling for the good citizens of Fallcrest.
Only last week a caravan of seventy people and ten mercenary caravan guards went missing on the way to Winterhaven. They never reached their destination. Our scouts report that the wagons went missing somewhere close to the old baron's manor house now simply known as Kobold Hall.
Among those good people were my own sister. Her husband and my three nieces and nephew. As you can imagine I am desperate to get them back and see that they come to no harm. Others have missing relatives too. And all would like to see their families back here in one piece and safe from harm.
"That brings me to the first contract. One that will be overseen by me personally at the town council's request. The council is offering a generous reward of one hundred gold pieces for each missing citizen that is brought back alive. I cannot stress the urgency of this task in more desperate terms. We must leave tomorrow at sunrise if we are to have any chance of saving those poor people from a terrible fate. Our plans to go next week have been altered and I will not hold it against anyone who cannot leave tomorrow. But you will be so kind as to leave the Club now if you cannot join us."
Several of the guests said their farewells and left the table. Although most stayed where they were.
"If we only find bodies or remains of those people the reward falls to twenty gold pieces for each person recovered. The council has arranged for ten wagons to accompany us to the Hall. They will be manned by two drivers to each wagon and two town guardsmen to each wagon. It is likely the transport the kidnapped citizens originally had is no longer road worthy. Alongside the wagons will be ten outrider scouts who know the hills and woods in the area and the likely places for ambush from both creatures and bandits.
The second contract is on behalf of our very own fine armorer, Teldorthan Goldcap. A wagon bearing of all things a slain green dragon was on its way to Fallcrest when it was waylaid by our troublesome kobolds. The dragon was cut into pieces to be used for crafting. The hide and scales are particularly valuable and cost Teldorthan a fair sum of coin to purchase in the first place.
He is offering a reward of two thousand gold coins for the return of the green dragon carcass and everything else that was on the wagon. Teldorthan has hired two drivers and two guardsmen to accompany his wagon which will travel with us to the Hall. There is a one hundred gold coin reward for each of the four original wagon crew. Paid for by the town council if we should find them alive. Twenty gold pieces each if they are dead and recoverable.
The third contract is from our very own Lord Warden of Fallcrest. He is tired of dealing with these vermin, the bloody Kobolds. And has agreed to offer the sum of twenty gold pieces for each Kobold slain.
This will be overseen by the sergeant at arms Wilhelm Dunnmor. Who will inspect the corpses to make certain they are dead and then will oversee the burning of those corpses outside the grounds of the Hall. For each Kobold leader that is slain. One hundred gold pieces will be offered. As proof we require something of theirs that clearly marks them out as different from the normal rabble.
Lastly, we have a request from Nimozaran the Green. High Septarch of Fallcrest. This contract will involve penetrating deep into the Kobolds Lair. It may mean that you have to investigate the ruins in great detail. Perhaps even entering old tunnels and caverns below the Hall if they should exist. What you are looking for is the secret to Kobold Hall. What is driving the Kobolds? They are far more organized than Kobolds normally behave. If we can find it and put a stop to it. Then the Kobolds are less likely to return once we leave the area.
We have no idea what this could be. But it will likely be obvious once your investigation is complete. Your reward will be something of a magical nature appropriate to your profession from the wizards store of enchanted items. Anyone who takes part in the investigation will be entitled to select an item of their choice.
The contract is merely to establish the threat posed. If it can be dealt with without loss of life. Then you are to do so and the town council will pay a fitting reward to all involved. If the task should prove to be more than you can handle return to Fallcrest and we will send more experienced people to deal with the problem.
"Any loot from the expedition that is not the obvious property of Fallcrest's citizens will be shared equally among all those who enter the Hall and complete the contracts given. Your numbers have increased from what we had intended to send on this expedition. It is simply a matter of more people making it more likely that you will succeed.
As I said earlier the full expedition will be made up of twenty wagon drivers. Twenty town guardsmen. Ten outrider scouts. Four accompanying Teldorthan's wagon. I will be leading the expedition to the Kobold Hall along with Vanderos one of our local priests of Pelor and my two companions Raphelius and Nashina who will act as my advisors and councilors. Leading the wagons will be Sergeant At Arms Wilhelm Dunnmor.
"None of those mentioned so far will enter the Kobold Hall. For that we have a select group of adventurers who I shall name now.
Starting on my left, Uther a brother priest of Pelor and subordinate to Vanderos. Due to his greater combat experience and his undoubted knowledge of the area and the enemy. He will be leading the group who are to enter the Kobold Hall.
Next we have Merina an associate of mine and a person in my personal employment that shall be second in command of the group.
Next, we have Kalderion a promising young wizard and apprentice of our very own High Septarch. Nimozaran.
Next is young Asher, then Rawne, Thargos, Gromm, Yelanti, Kathena, Rosalita, Bronwynne, Sashana, Alessia, and last but by no means least Wulfgrimm.
"Fourteen of you to face all that the Kobolds can throw at you. I'm certain that you'll be more than enough for them and will complete the contracts successfully. Any who fall to the Kobolds will if possible be raised from the dead by Vanderos if possible. For the matter of a small fee to cover expenses.
Additionally provided by the Temple of Pelor in such troubling times as these. Are five vials of healing elixir for each of those going into Kobold Hall. Also an elixir each of proof against poison and disease. The town council will provide two weeks worth of traveling rations and fresh drinking water for each person. Along with basic supplies such as rope, lamp oil, backpacks, torches and other things you are likely to need. You will all be expected to provide your own fit and healthy horse or pony to travel to the Hall.
I believe I have spoken enough ladies and gentlemen. I will be happy to answer any questions that you may have."
The room quickly descended into chaos as everyone asked questions at once. When it was all over Horatio approached Alessia and Wulfgrimm as they were just about to leave.
"Wait a moment you two. We have other matters to discuss. Come with me. And we'll find somewhere a little more private."
As the room cleared of people, Alessia and Wulf were led into a brightly lit room away from the Club lounge area. They took their seats and were each poured a glass of expensive red wine.
"Eventually you will speak to the Guildmaster. But until then I will be your guild contact. Everything related to the guild will come through me and only me. We have high hopes for you two. There's something I can't quite put my finger on that separates you from the rest of the guild recruits and we would be foolish not to harness that potential and put it to the best use possible. Given enough time and effort on your parts. Perhaps you will be given your own group of fine upstanding ladies and gentlemen to enhance the Guild's coffers and make a name for yourself not to mention a small fortune.
Unknown to the rest of those in the group. My brother in law had a gold ring set with diamonds. And was also carrying an important letter that could if it fell into the wrong hands be troublesome for myself and for the Guild.
If my brother in law remains alive. You have no need to worry. He will be certain that both the ring and letter reach me safely. But if he is dead. Then you must retrieve those items at all cost. Above and beyond any other task that you have to complete while in the Hall. Under no circumstances should the letter or ring be shown to my sister or her children. They are not aware of my affiliation with the Guild and would not understand if certain information became known to them.
Retrieving these items will put you in good stead with the Guild and especially with myself. I will pay a fee of five hundred gold pieces to each of you for their return. Ensure they don't fall into the wrong hands. Which is anyone but myself.
Merina is a promising Guild member and technically your senior. But she is not aware of this private contract and should remain in the dark on this matter. Do I make myself clear?"
"If he is dead. We will recover the ring and the letter no matter what we have to do. Horatio, you can count on us."
"Splendid. I knew you could be trusted to be discreet. That concludes our business for today. As with the others. Supplies can be obtained from the back room of this Club. I suggest you get everything you feel you will need."
"Thank you, Horatio we will. Before we leave. I was wondering if the Guild has such a thing as a bank where we can deposit our coin to ensure its safety."
"Yes. Of course. You can never be too careful with all these unscrupulous and unruly thieves on the streets these days. Of course you are safe from Guild members. We do not acquire goods or coin from our own people and sources. But there are always those who can't be persuaded that the Guild is the only way they will officially do business. Our vaults are the best in all of Fallcrest. Your coin will be safe with us. I will write you out a note. Signed with my own stamp and place your coin in the vault myself. How much will you be depositing?"
Wulf and Alessia searched through their backpacks for the three bags of coins each one had. Both handed the full bags of silver and copper to Horatio, then counted out fifty gold pieces each and placed them in separate pouches and handed the rest to Horatio along with the bag containing the six small diamonds. Horatio studied the contents of each bag. Weighed the coins on his set of scales and wrote out a note for each of them.
You certainly were busy yesterday. A pity the Guild won't get its share. But we like to welcome newcomers with open arms. It wouldn't do to ask them to pay on their first day in town now would it? Keep those notes safe. And well hidden, may I suggest one of our secured guild lockboxes for you private paperwork. Much better to carry one of our keys than all those bulky and valuable letters. He handed each of them a key to the strongroom and a key to their personal boxes. Which they eagerly took.
An hour later the two of them had stocked up on supplies from the Guild and the elixirs provided by the Temple. They had the rest of the day to themselves. But swore an oath that they would stay away from the alehouses.
The next morning a crowd of thousands lined the streets waiting for the expedition to get on its way. Wulf and Alessia had risen early and met the rest of the expedition after downing a full cooked breakfast.
They were going to be living on rations for at least the next week. So a good healthy meal was essential. Wulf was pleased to be going out into the countryside once more. It was where he felt most comfortable. With a bit of luck he might even have time for a bit of hunting. It would certainly be tastier than the dried rations they had. All Alessia could think about was the coin they would make from this expedition. And secretly she was praying that Horatio's brother in law was indeed dead. So they could collect on Horatio's personal request.
Horatio led from the front of the expedition. Ever the showman he took great pleasure in waving to the crowds of people. He was lapping up their good will and admiration for what was rightfully considered a dangerous quest into the unknown.
The wagons followed behind Horatio. The outriders at either side of the wagons were ready to ride off once the expedition was clear of the town and the crowds of people to scout ahead of the expedition for any threats. Behind the wagons rode a rather curious group of individuals who were the adventuring party and those who would bare the brunt of the Kobolds hostilities. Most of them were young men and women taking the opportunity to experience their first quest in the life of an adventurer like those tales sang in tavern songs and told by bards to eager crowds.
The Expedition slowly trundled through the gates. Leaving the cheering crowds behind them. Within minutes the gates had closed and the noise had stopped. They were on the open road. And heading for their very first quest. Wulfgrimm felt more than a little proud to be a part of something so important. Dozens of lives depended on this group of young adventurers. They would be heroes when they returned to Fallcrest if all went well.
The next three or four days of traveling the seventy five to a hundred miles that would bring them to the Kobold Hall. It would hopefully pass uneventfully. Depending on the local bandits and beast tribes. Wulfgrimm let himself slip into a day dream and before long he was imagining caverns packed to the roofs with stolen loot. The Kobolds had been operating out of the ruins of the Hall for many years and were likely to have amassed a fortune, or so he hoped.
The outrider scouts set off in all directions. To get a clear picture of what lay ahead and around them. Wulf sort of wished he was going with them. He still missed the forest surrounding his village and wondered what everyone was doing back home. He promised himself that once they had made their fortune he would return to the village and settle down. Only time would tell if he could keep his promise to himself.
Cast of Characters on the
Kobold Hall Expedition
Wulfgrimm 1st level Human Male Rogue
Alessia 1st level Human Female Rogue
Horatio Maximillian Falconcroft 12th Level Thief Halfling Male
Vanderos 10th Level Cleric Human Male
Raphelius 8th Level Rogue Halfling Male
Nashina 8th Level Rogue Human Female
Uther 3rd Level Cleric Human Male
Kalderion 1st Level Wizard Human Male
Asher 1st Level Rogue Human Male
Rawne 1st Level Fighter Human Male
Thargos 1st Level Warlord Dwarf Male
Gromm 1st Level Fighter Dwarf Male
Merina 3rd Level Rogue Eladrin Female
Yelanti 1st Level Fighter Human Female
Kathena 1st Level Paladin Human Female
Rosalita 1st Level Ranger Halfling Female
Bronwynne 1st level Cleric Human Female
Sashana 1st Level Warlock Human Female
Sergeant At Arms Wilhelm Dunnmor 6th Level Fighter Human Male
20 Town Guardsmen
20 Wagon Drivers
10 Outrider Scouts
2 Wagon Drivers and 2 guards for Teldorthan Goldcap's wagon